Tech Insights

robotic total stations

Last updated May 16, 2025, generated by Sumble

What is robotic total stations?

Robotic total stations are advanced surveying instruments that combine the functionalities of a total station with robotic automation. They use electronic distance measurement (EDM) to measure distances, and electronic angle measurement to measure horizontal and vertical angles. What distinguishes them is their ability to be remotely controlled by a single operator, typically using a data collector or tablet. This allows the operator to control the instrument's aiming, tracking, and data recording from a distance, improving efficiency and safety. They are commonly used in surveying, construction, mining, and other applications where precise measurements are required, especially in situations where a single surveyor needs to perform the work.

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What other technologies are related to robotic total stations?

robotic total stations Competitor Technologies

digital levels

Digital levels offer an alternative method for determining elevation, competing with the vertical angle and distance measurement capabilities of robotic total stations.

mentioned alongside robotic total stations in 38% (326) of relevant job posts

automatic levels

Automatic levels, similar to digital levels, provide an alternative method for determining elevation differences, acting as a competitor for vertical measurements.

mentioned alongside robotic total stations in 34% (102) of relevant job posts

drone surveillance and assessment

Drones equipped with surveying capabilities can capture aerial data for mapping and surveying tasks, offering an alternative method for large-area surveys that compete with total stations.

mentioned alongside robotic total stations in 36% (92) of relevant job posts

GPS

GPS provides positioning data and can be used for surveying tasks, especially in open areas where total stations may be less efficient or obstructed.

mentioned alongside robotic total stations in 2% (1.6k) of relevant job posts

RTK GPS

RTK GPS offers real-time kinematic positioning with high accuracy, making it a competitor for certain surveying applications where line-of-sight is not required.

mentioned alongside robotic total stations in 19% (171) of relevant job posts

3D laser scanners

3D laser scanners provide detailed 3D point clouds of objects and environments, serving as a competitor in applications such as as-built surveys and complex geometry capture.

mentioned alongside robotic total stations in 26% (111) of relevant job posts

GPS receivers

GPS receivers determine geographical coordinates and can act as a competitor for applications such as basic surveying, mapping and navigation.

mentioned alongside robotic total stations in 16% (151) of relevant job posts

levels

Levels are a basic surveying instrument that provide an alternative method for determining elevation, competing with the vertical measurement capabilities of total stations.

mentioned alongside robotic total stations in 10% (196) of relevant job posts